2013 North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists announced

Cadillac ATS, Ram 1500 in running

It's getting closer. The North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center is only days away.

That means it's time to start picking the best of the best on the road

Dozens of automotive journalists have selected the Cadillac ATS, Ford Fusion and Honda Accord as the three finalists for the 2013 North American Car of the Year.

The finalists for the 2013 North American Truck of the Year are the Ford C-Max, Mazda CX-5 and Ram 1500.

The finalists were revealed in Detroit.

"We look at all of the characteristics of the car from primarily the viewpoint of the consumer," said auto analyst Dan McCosh. "I think that it's important though that we are looking at cars that are significantly new this year, this doesn't really mean that it's the best car in the whole industry."

The awards are unique in the United States because -- instead of being given by a single media outlet -- they are awarded by a coalition of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada representing magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites. The awards are financed by the jurors’ dues and NACTOY does not accept advertising from automakers

"It's diverse in terms of automakers and types of vehicles, but they all reflect the drive for greater efficiency and technical advancement. It's a real good list," said Mark Phelan, the auto critic for the Detroit Free Press.

To be eligible a vehicle must be all new or substantially changed. After considering dozens of vehicles this year the jurors finally voted on 11 cars and 10 trucks.

The winners will be announced in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Last year, the 2012 North American Car of the Year was the Hyundai Elantra and the 2012 North American Truck of the Year was the Land Rover/Range Rover.